Philippians 2 29

Philippians 2:29 kjv

Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:

Philippians 2:29 nkjv

Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem;

Philippians 2:29 niv

So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him,

Philippians 2:29 esv

So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men,

Philippians 2:29 nlt

Welcome him in the Lord's love and with great joy, and give him the honor that people like him deserve.

Philippians 2 verses

Philippians 2 29 Meaning

The verse encourages believers to receive and welcome their spiritual leaders with abundant joy and love. It emphasizes honoring and valuing those who labor diligently in the faith, recognizing their contribution to the spiritual well-being of the community.

Philippians 2 29 Context

This verse is found in Philippians, a letter Paul wrote from prison, likely to the church in Philippi. The immediate context discusses humility and the example of Christ (Philippians 2:1-18). Following this, Paul expresses his hope to visit them soon and sends Timothy, commending him to them. Verse 29 serves as a direct instruction concerning Timothy's reception and value within the Philippian church, urging them to treat him with honor and joy, acknowledging his genuine concern for their spiritual welfare. The letter's overall theme emphasizes joy, unity, and perseverance in the Christian faith, even amidst suffering.

Philippians 2 29 Word Analysis

• "Receive" (dechōmai - δέχομαι):

  • Literal meaning: to accept, welcome, take in.
  • Connotation: Implies more than just passive acceptance; it suggests active welcoming, embracing, and making space for someone. It carries the sense of approving or assenting.

• "him" (auto-n - αὐτόν):

  • Refers to Timothy, whom Paul has just mentioned sending.

• "in the Lord" (en Kyrio-i - ἐν Κυρίῳ):

  • Indicates the basis or sphere of the reception. It means to receive him as a fellow Christian, in connection with and for the sake of Christ. The action is to be done within the fellowship and power of the Lord.

• "with all joy" (meta pasēs charas - μετὰ πάσης χαρᾶς):

  • "All" (pasa - πᾶσα): entire, every.
  • "Joy" (chara - χαρά): delight, gladness, joy.
  • Significance: Calls for an abundant, unreserved, and wholehearted reception, reflecting the joy that comes from God and the fellowship of believers.

• "and hold" (kai krata-i - καὶ κρατεῖ):

  • "And" (kai - καί): connecting word.
  • "Hold" (krataō - κρατέω): to hold fast, grasp firmly, maintain, support.
  • Connotation: Implies cherishing, esteeming highly, and not letting go of their high regard for him. It's an active keeping and valuing.

• "such" (toioy-tous - τοιούτους):

  • Refers back to Timothy, characterizing the kind of person he is – one worthy of honor and affection.

• "in honor" (en timē - ἐν τιμῇ):

  • "In" (en - ἐν): a preposition indicating manner or circumstance.
  • "Honor" (timē - τιμή): value, esteem, honor, reverence, tribute.
  • Significance: The reception and holding should be characterized by respect, appreciation, and proper valuation of Timothy's person and ministry.

• Word-group Analysis:

  • "Receive him in the Lord with all joy": This phrase encapsulates the manner of welcoming Timothy, framing it within the Christian context and calling for a joyful, complete embrace.
  • "hold such in honor": This highlights the sustained, high regard believers should have for individuals like Timothy, who exhibit faithful service.

Philippians 2 29 Bonus Section

The verse implicitly connects the reception of a minister to the reception of Christ Himself (see Matt 10:40-42). By honoring Timothy, the Philippians are, in essence, honoring the Lord who sent him and whose Spirit empowers him. This reciprocal relationship means that genuine spiritual leadership is esteemed, and such esteem blesses both the leader and the community. The exhortation also reflects the social customs of the time, where hospitality and respect for envoys were significant. Timothy, as Paul's "son" in the faith and his delegate, was essentially an ambassador of Christ, thus deserving a reception that reflected this high calling.

Philippians 2 29 Commentary

Paul directs the Philippians to embrace Timothy enthusiastically, recognizing his valuable spiritual labor and his genuine care for them, mirroring Christ's own selfless attitude. This instruction extends beyond a mere pleasant welcome; it's a call to honor and value those who minister faithfully. The honor shown is not merely to the person but is rooted in their relationship with the Lord and their ministry for the body of Christ. It underscores the importance of mutual respect and support within the church, especially for those who serve diligently.

• Practical Usage Examples:
  • Welcoming visiting ministers with genuine warmth and appreciation for their teaching.
  • Supporting missionaries or pastors who travel to serve, providing for their needs with generosity.
  • Actively expressing gratitude to leaders for their guidance and spiritual investment.